In this insightful and candid episode, Stacey Ritter sits down with seasoned doula and mental health grad student Sara Venaglia, whose 15+ years of experience span postpartum care, birth work, fertility support, and grief and loss. Together, they explore the realities of doula life — especially the challenging client situations that test our values, communication skills, and boundaries. Whether you’re new to birth work or a veteran doula refining your boundaries, this conversation is packed with the kind of real talk and wisdom that only comes from deep, lived experience.

🎧 Tune in to be encouraged, challenged, and reminded that you’re not alone in the messy, meaningful work of supporting families through every stage of the perinatal journey.

In this episode of The Doula Collective podcast, Stacey and Lindsay dive into a topic every doula needs to be prepared for: inductions. With nearly 1 in 3 births involving some form of induction, it's essential for doulas to understand both the clinical and emotional aspects of this process — and how to best support clients through it.

They explore:

• The most common reasons for inductions — both medical and elective 
• How to mentally and practically prepare yourself and your clients 
• The importance of a dedicated “induction review call” when plans shift 
• Why your first question should be: “How do you feel about that?” 
• How to avoid assumptions and meet your clients with support, not bias 

Whether your client has a planned induction at 39 weeks or gets surprised by low fluid at a 38-week appointment, your ability to remain calm, informed, and nonjudgmental can make all the difference.

🎧 Tune in and get equipped with practical tools, mindset shifts, and communication strategies to support your clients through one of the most common changes to their birth plan.

In this inspiring episode, Stacey sits down with Danyale Washington, founder of Sweet Pea Solutions, postpartum doula trainer with ProDoula, and passionate advocate for families in the early years of parenting. Based just outside of Chicago, Danyale shares how her journey from early childhood educator and nanny evolved into full-spectrum postpartum support — and how her heart for families drives everything she does.

Together, Stacey and Danyale explore:

• The core philosophy behind Danyale’s postpartum support
• How doulas can build confidence in parents without “doing it all”
• What’s actually in a postpartum doula’s tool bag (hint: it’s not diapers)
• Why supporting the dyad (parent + baby) matters most
• How to grow as a doula, support more families, and train the next generation of caregivers

Whether you're a doula, a new parent, or someone passionate about strengthening families, this conversation is full of warmth, wisdom, and practical tools you can carry with you.

In this episode, Stacey and Lindsay open up about supporting clients through cesarean births—whether planned or unexpected. They explore what it means to be a steady, calm presence in moments that can feel overwhelming or emotional. From helping birth partners navigate the waiting period to creating a peaceful environment before surgery, they share practical tips and heartfelt insight for doulas at every stage of their journey.

🎧 Whether you're a new or seasoned doula, this episode is a must-listen for navigating C-sections with empathy and purpose.

In this episode, Stacey Ritter and Lindsay Laubacher break down the myths and realities of epidurals in birth. They discuss how doulas support all birth choices—medicated or unmedicated—without judgment or fear-mongering. From the misconceptions surrounding epidurals to how support shifts once one is administered, they share insights for both clients and doulas navigating this decision.

🎧 Tune in to hear how epidurals can be a tool, not a failure, in the birthing process!

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Aly John, a dedicated doula and childbirth educator serving families in Fort Worth, Texas. Aly shares her journey into birth work, her passion for faith-based childbirth education, and a powerful birth story that shaped her path as a doula.

In this episode, we dive into the beauty of birth, the importance of empowered decision-making, and how faith and birth intersect profoundly. Whether you're a doula, an expecting parent, or simply passionate about birth, you won’t want to miss this conversation!

Inspired by Aly’s doula journey? Connect with her on Instagram, Website, or email her at [email protected].

Join us for an insightful conversation with Sarah Parente, an experienced birth doula serving families in Austin, Texas. In this episode, Sarah shares her journey into doula work, her evolving birth philosophy, and how she empowers clients to have positive and informed birth experiences. Tune in to hear Sarah’s wisdom on supporting families, reducing birth trauma, and embracing flexibility in birth support. You won’t want to miss this inspiring discussion!

🎧 Listen now on your favorite streaming platform!

📌 Connect with Sarah:

🌐 Website: www.sacredworkdoula.com

📷 Instagram: @sacredworkdoula

📘 Facebook: Sacred Work Doula Services

In this episode, Stacey Ritter and Lindsay Laubacher discuss the importance of setting boundaries as a doula—physically, emotionally, and professionally. From travel limits to virtual consultations and knowing when to say no, they share insights on maintaining a sustainable and fulfilling doula practice.

🎧 Tune in and learn how to protect your time, energy, and well-being as a birth worker!

Learn more: www.doulaco.org